As a university student, cheap transport between Newcastle and Birmingham is important. Trains start at £30, whilst the Megabus starts at a tenner for the same journey. Admittedly it will take at least 2 hours longer, but for the price you're paying, it is less than a quarter of the fuel cost by car.

In reality, it isn't going to be anything like first class. You will probably have to share a seat, and in honesty, lots of the people on the bus will smell. But remember what you've paid. The seats are fairly comfortable and there is sufficient space (even for me at 6ft 3, better than most airlines probably), temperature's okay and its pretty quiet.

The driver isn't going to have a chat with you whilst showing your ticket and I don't imagine customer services will be especially efficient but this is a budget service, just get your booking right.

I've never used the toilets so can't comment here. I don't imagine they're great

So, Pros: good space, comfort, never been late and price
Cons: smells a bit, a little slow